Temperature gauge showing low temp, but engine is warm...

My temp gauge 83model Golf 1,6 convertible has started to show low temperature, but the engine is warm,i think.
After letting the engine idle for a periode the cooling faan starts (after normal time for engine to get warm enough for cooling faan) but the temp gauge shows low temp. When driving it moves sometimes to warmer, but mainly stays on low temp (just above the "engine cold" mark)

What could be the problem? And where is the sender for the temperature gauge?

Just had the same issue on mine. Check this thread, could be the same as your block. My original post said 2 sensors, but actually found there to be 3 all near each other.

http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=123143

Ok. I will try to bridge the wires tomorrow. If my gauge shows maximum i can conclude with a faulty temp sensor?

Tiller said

Ok. I will try to bridge the wires tomorrow. If my gauge shows maximum i can conclude with a faulty temp sensor?

Well if the symptoms are the same, the yes. I changed my sensor and problem solved.

Oh, if it is the sensor, call in at your local dealership, managed to get a new sensor cheaper than a pattern part. :-)

Yu can get sensors on ebay. Only £15

Can anyone put out a picture of the sensor thats most likely to cause this problem? And a link to where i can get hold of one?

its black in colour, either 1 pin or 2 pin depending on the age of the car. look for a red/yellow wire thats the temp feed back to dash

rubjonny said

its black in colour, either 1 pin or 2 pin depending on the age of the car. look for a red/yellow wire thats the temp feed back to dash

Location of the sensor?
The thread that was posted as a link above here is dead…  

front or side flange, on an early one like yours it will be single pin its threaded into the flange

rubjonny said

its black in colour, either 1 pin or 2 pin depending on the age of the car. look for a red/yellow wire thats the temp feed back to dash

I found a sensor on the side flange of the engine, under the oil pressure switch.
Its only one pin and its not black. But the wire is red/yellow as you said.
Is this the sensor that is causing the wrong temp readings?

yeah thats not a genuine sensor so it could well be why! it should be a smaller sensor with a black collar and a spade connection.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-VW-AUDI-SEAT-GOLF-CORRADO-QUATTRO-TEMERATURE-SENSOR-049-919-501-/290844655353

I also thought it looked a bot to long. Hope a new correct sensor solves the problem. Cheep part as well :-)

Just checking….this is the correct sensor for my car right?

thats what it looks like yes, but check the rating if its aftermarket the colours dont always match vw

I have now changed the sensor, and i now get normal water temp readings:-) Thanks for the help!

Just one more question guys, is the sensor for oil temperature identical to the water temperature sensor? (To me it looks like that)

Tiller said

Just checking….this is the correct sensor for my car right?

Can you confirm part number please? I might need one for mine

it looks the same as the coolant sender, but its not the same rating. has a white collar not black

coolant temp sensor is:
049919501 - coolant temp sender, 0-125, black - 31.63+VAT

mfa oil temp is:
049919563A - oil temp sender, 0-180, white - 17.16+VAT